A Weekly Diary of How my Dog Carl Inspires Me to Grow Spiritually

Carl’s Desire for the World

Carl was afraid to move. He didn’t want to lose sight of where I was sitting so he lay on the floor looking intently in my direction. Carl is petrified that he will miss out on a chance to go out into the world. He loves being at home but if he can rush through the door and explore the great outdoors, he is there. So if he sees me move towards the front or back exit, he is ready to pounce his way out.

I can remember as a teenager being caught in the same trap of being afraid to miss out. I loved going out into the world beyond the four walls of my home. Everything was an adventure that couldn’t be missed. This led me into several compromising situations as I grew up and made my way into adulthood. The desire to experience the unknown didn’t always turn out the way I hoped it would.

I am sure King David felt this same way as he reflected back on his own life. As a middle aged man, he began to grow apathetic in his role as a leader. So instead of fighting with his soldiers for the cause of Israel, he spent his time daydreaming about being out in the world. And it was in this moment that his life changed forever.

King David saw a beautiful woman bathing outside beyond the palace and wanted her. At that moment everything changed. He was determined to have this woman, no matter the cost. If only he had been grateful for the women God had already blessed him with. But after a cutting remark by one of his wives, his thoughts turned from inside his home to the outside world.

What started as an adventure turned into a desire that he couldn’t resist. His heart became hard towards being righteous and pleasing God. All because David believed the lie that we are all so gullible to believe. If I can just have this one thing, I will be happy. This happens so often when we turn our sights away from our own home and become determined to have what isn’t ours.

How often do we make bad decisions because we want to leave what we have been blessed with for the world? If only we could enjoy the life that God has given to us.

Carl has come in the house and is now scratching my leg to seek my attention. He seems content with playing with Bee and running up and down the hallway. After playing until exhaustion sets in, he has laid his body down right in front of the door in anticipation of his great escape into the world.